Introduction to the Densification Plan
The Consejo Coordinador Empresarial (CCE) in Puebla, Mexico, has clarified that the densification plan for the city’s Historic Center is not intended to lead to gentrification. The plan involves investments in reviving abandoned properties, transforming them into restaurants, hotels, residential buildings, and short-term rentals via Airbnb.
Who is the CCE?
The Consejo Coordinador Empresarial (CCE) is a prominent business coordination council in Puebla, representing various industries and businesses. As a key stakeholder in the city’s economic development, their opinions carry significant weight and influence local policies.
Addressing Concerns about Gentrification
Héctor Sánchez Morales, president of the CCE, explained to El Economista that while gentrification is a concern in Mexico City, leading to recent protests, Puebla’s situation is different. He acknowledged a global trend towards gentrification but emphasized that Puebla should not confuse densification with gentrification, as they are distinct issues.
What is Gentrification?
Gentrification refers to the transformation of lower-income neighborhoods into upscale, often unaffordable, areas. This process typically involves the displacement of long-term residents and small businesses due to rising property values and living costs.
Abandoned Casonas in Puebla’s Historic Center
In early July, the Asociación de Empresas de la Construcción (AECO) reported that 1,100 casonas in Puebla’s Historic Center are abandoned. The CCE supports investments to revive these deteriorated properties, strengthening commercial, tourism, and social activities.
Why are these casonas important?
- Revitalizing abandoned casonas can breathe new life into the Historic Center, making it an attractive location for businesses and tourists.
- These investments can also encourage the return of families who migrated from the central areas during the 1980s.
- By transforming these properties into various uses, such as residential, commercial, or short-term rentals, the densification plan aims to optimize land use and stimulate economic growth.
Will foreigners move into the area?
Sánchez Morales acknowledged that foreigners may choose to live in the area due to remote work opportunities, renting properties for extended periods, potentially up to a year.
Authorities’ Role in Densification
The CCE emphasized that local authorities should actively seek investments to revive abandoned properties, ensuring diverse business opportunities for local, national, and foreign entrepreneurs.
What can be done with the abandoned properties?
- Property owners can rehabilitate and repurpose their inmuebles for various uses.
- Alternatively, owners can sell these properties to interested entrepreneurs looking to open new businesses or develop residential areas.
Impact on Local Residents
Sánchez Morales expressed hope that there would not be immediate displacement of families living near the Historic Center, depending on the utility and attractiveness of each property.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the CCE’s stance on densification in Puebla’s Historic Center? The CCE supports the densification plan, emphasizing that it is not intended to cause gentrification.
- What are the main goals of the densification plan? The primary objectives include reviving abandoned properties, strengthening commercial and tourism activities, and encouraging the return of families to the central areas.
- Will foreigners move into the area due to this plan? Yes, some foreigners may choose to live in the area for remote work opportunities, potentially renting properties for extended periods.
- What is the role of local authorities in this plan? Local authorities should actively seek investments to revive abandoned properties and create diverse business opportunities.
- What happens to the abandoned casonas in Puebla’s Historic Center? Property owners can rehabilitate and repurpose these properties or sell them to interested entrepreneurs.
